News Issue 27

I Want It That Way

Ever wanted a special painting for a wall but nothing quite fit what you had in mind? Well, now you can commission an artist to create a customised artwork for you. The Commissioned is a web service that connects you with a curated community of over 200 artists from more than 35 countries around the world.

“Our clients enjoy viewing the portfolios of our artists and discovering their personal preferences. When they find an artist they like, they can commission a piece that’s perfectly suited to them — the subject, medium, style, colour and size that they want,” says founder and chief executive officer, Melvin Yuan. Prices start from around US$100 for small-sized artworks. It’s perfect for gifts, too!

Our One and Ondeh

A Singapore drink shakes up the Big Apple.

If you’re in New York, a must-stop is Shake Shack, the city’s most famous burger joint. For those who visited its Madison Square outpost from 24 to 27 September, a rare treat was in store: a Singaporean Ondeh Ondeh Shake, a blend of vanilla frozen custard with coconut, pandan leaf and gula melaka. This was Shake Shack’s way of showing love to Singapore when our international creative showcase Singapore: Inside Out made its home at Madison Square Park last month.

Initiated by the Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore: Inside Out has brought our nation’s creatives to Beijing, London and New York this past year. It returns home for its final showcase at Tan Quee Lan Street, 27 November to 6 December.

Drumming Up a (Tennis) Racket

When Singapore wanted to woo overseas tennis fans here for this month’s WTA Finals (a premier tennis tournament), former World No.1 tennis player Caroline Wozniacki was invited to town for a taste of local culture. And what greeted her at the Malay Heritage Centre in Kampong Glam was dynamic Malay drumming group, NADI Singapura.

“Malay drums are a reflection of joy in the community. At events such as cultural processions, the mood is tied to the rhythmic beats of the drums, so it was apt to give Caroline a warm, traditional welcome as a showcase of Malay culture,” says Jean Ng, director (Sports), Singapore Tourism Board.